Intra-articular synovial folds of thoracolumbar junction zygapophyseal joints.
Transverse histological sections from T10-11, T11-12, T12-L1, and L1-2 zygapophyseal joints were examined in 32 post-mortem spines, using light microscopy, to record the presence of intra-articular synovial fold inclusions. In addition, three mid-joint sections from each joint were photographed using 35 mm colour film. From these slides, linear dimensions of the extent of intra-articular synovial fold projection between the zygapophyseal joints were measured using computer-aided planimetry. Small, fibrous folds were commonly found at the joint margins extending from the ligamentum flavum and the fibrous joint capsule. Larger, fibro-adipose synovial folds, projecting between the articular surfaces, were also noted, particularly at T12-L1 and L1-2.
Singer
K P
KP
Department of Anatomy and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands.
Giles
L G
LG
Day
R E
RE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001344:Autopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*